What Are the Predators of Blue Whales?

The blue whale is the largest mammal in the world and has very few natural predators; in fact, the species’ main predator is generally considered to be humans, particularly in the form of collisions with large ships. From the 1900s through the 1960s, whale hunting accounted for the deaths of an estimated 360,000 blue whales, which caused them to become endangered. As of 2013, the species was still considered endangered, and there were thought to be fewer than 25,000 blue whales. Orcas and sharks have been known to be occasional predators of blue whales, but attacks do not tend to be widespread or as serious of a threat to the species as human activity.

More about blue whales:

• The average blue whale is estimated to live 80 to 90 years, making it one of the longest-living creatures on Earth.


• Blue whales are able to communicate with one another over distances of up to 1,000 miles (1,609 km).


• A baby blue whale spends about a year in its mother’s womb and can weigh as much as 3 tons (2.7 metric tons) at birth and be 25 feet (8 m) long.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main natural predators of blue whales?

Blue whales, despite their massive size, are not immune to predation. Their primary natural predators are orcas, also known as killer whales. Orcas have been known to target young or weak blue whales in coordinated attacks. However, such predation is rare due to the blue whale's immense size and strength.

How do orcas hunt blue whales?

Orcas hunt blue whales by working in pods, using sophisticated strategies to isolate and attack their prey. They may target a blue whale's young or infirm, using their numbers and coordinated efforts to overwhelm the whale. These attacks can be aggressive, involving multiple orcas biting and wearing down their target over time.

Are blue whales threatened by any human activities?

Yes, blue whales face significant threats from human activities. Historically, commercial whaling drastically reduced their populations. Today, they are endangered by ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and habitat loss due to climate change. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these gentle giants of the ocean.

What impact does climate change have on blue whale predation?

Climate change can indirectly increase risks for blue whales by altering oceanic ecosystems. Changes in sea temperature and ice cover can affect krill populations, the blue whale's primary food source, potentially making them more vulnerable to predation due to malnutrition or forcing them into areas with higher predation risk while searching for food.

Can sharks pose a threat to blue whales?

Sharks, including great white sharks, may pose a threat to blue whale calves or sick individuals. However, due to the blue whale's enormous size and power, healthy adult blue whales are generally not at risk from shark attacks. Shark predation on blue whales is considered extremely rare and not a significant concern for their populations.

What conservation measures are in place to protect blue whales from predation?

Conservation measures for blue whales primarily focus on mitigating human-caused threats. International bans on commercial whaling, marine protected areas, and ship speed regulations are in place to reduce human impacts. While natural predation by orcas cannot be controlled, maintaining robust whale populations through these measures can help blue whales better withstand such natural challenges.